delta16

Thanks so much for sharing your experience. I am glad I'm not the only one going through these kinds of issues. I talked to the professor today and it encouraged me to continue and try really hard on the next assignments and the final. We'll see what happens...

I'm a first year PhD student at a Comp. Science program. The current course I'm taking has been really difficult for me. I regret taking that class and I wish I would have taken another. I am learning, but I feel that my background as an undergrad was not strong enough to support my learning in this course. I just took my midterm last week and failed it -- miserably --wasn't even close to the mean score of the class. I feel so behind and discouraged. I don't know what happens when you fail a course, but I hate how this is interfering with my research time (and i love my research!) Has this happened to anyone? What have you done that has helped? I feel like I want to just isolate myself for the next month and study/work like crazy until the final.

I can answer for this part of your question: You are right. At the university where I am at, the database group is broken into two sections: theory and systems. Although we all work together and learn from each other, it is good to know ahead of time whether you wish to focus on theory or the systems side. I do not know much about the research trends for the theory in databases, but I know that working with big data analytics, cloud computing, data visualization, data integration, are popular areas in the field. It helps to also go to conference specifically in the area. When I went to SIGMOD back in May, you can easily tell what the 'big areas' are based on the publications and posters. And yes, not every school has a database research group. Make sure you look into that before applying (if you are focusing on databases). Hope this helps a bit

I don't think you're being greedy for trying to reapply again. I think it's great that you're trying to reach your fullest potential. But try not to get so engrossed with applying to "top rank" schools. Ask yourself why you wish to get into these schools. Is it the research? the environment? etc.There are more important factors to consider than the rank. I have a friend who got accepted to MIT, but chose to attend UW instead just because she felt more comfortable with the environment there. I'm not discouraging you from reapplying, I'm just hoping you are thinking about other factors too

I got it too... I'm so incredibly happy

Well we now know it might be early April based on Facebook.... http://www.facebook.com/NSFGRFP

My research interest is in data management (specifically streams and dealing w/ heterogeneous data sources). The database group at UW looks amazing! - also offered ~2000/month for academic year